During South Dakota’s fall harvest, Drew Yanish is busy unloading yet another truckload of corn at the country elevator where he works. Amidst the billowing dust, he contemplates the towering grain elevators that dominate the Midwest landscape, both in physical size and personal importance.
A connection to the world of agriculture was forged at an early age. Yanish’s father, a seasoned grain elevator manager, introduced him to the trade. “My father has been in the grain industry since the moment he got out of high school in 1979. By 1990, he started managing an elevator in northern South Dakota. A couple of years later when I was born, my dad moved to a different elevator, a bigger elevator, that he managed. “You could say that I was kind of born into this position. I didn’t think so at the time. But I was born to work in an elevator. It’s just always been in my blood.”
Yanish takes a moment, reflecting on a childhood memory. “I remember when I was a little kid, and whenever I needed a sweatshirt, my dad would lend me his,” he reminisces with a smile. “That sweatshirt always had a distinct smell of grain. I absolutely loved it. It wasn’t until my mid-20s that I truly understood why I was so drawn to it. It was just comforting.”
Today, at Howard Farmers Cooperative in Howard, SD, Yanish’s father, Bruce, is the general manager and his boss. Gen Z might consider Drew a “nepo baby.” “Nepo” -- short for “nepotism” -- is defined as “the unfair use of power to get jobs or other benefits for your family.” In more glamorous industries, that might be the case, but at a rural grain elevator, it means you get the dirty jobs, not the easy ones. “If anyone is staying late at work, it’s me,” he says with a laugh.
The journey into the grain elevator profession was not a straight line. Like many “ag kids,” he initially sought a different path. He enrolled in technical school, dedicating a year to working with small engines. Later on, he ventured into grain inspection, guided by a friend already in the field. After a few years in this role, a position opened at the Howard elevator. Yanish reached out to his father to express interest in joining the elevator team. “My dad reminded me that he would be my boss. We had to learn how to navigate that dynamic, and it turned out to be a great decision.”
After rediscovering his calling within the family’s longstanding tradition, he couldn’t be more content. “I just love to talk with people,” he shares. “Everyone knows farmers like to talk. They love to chat about how the harvest is progressing, what could be improved here or there – it’s all part of the conversation.”
Yanish also appreciates the constant ebb and flow of the seasons. “Summertime is steady while we ramp up for harvest; then, we’re working at a fast pace in the fall. Winter, on the other hand, has a slower pace.” In an industry characterized by unpredictable crop yields, it’s clear how finding solace in the cyclical nature of the seasons can provide a sense of reassurance.
However, Howard Coop, is facing an industry-wide challenge – the shortage of willing labor. Working in a grain elevator demands resilience – being able to tolerate the relentless dust, and long and busy days, especially during frantic harvest seasons.
During a recent trip to Minnesota, Yanish couldn’t help but notice the prevalence of help-wanted signs at every facility he passed. He thinks that many still perceive this profession as suited only for older individuals or men, but he disagrees. “It’s not a job for just older men; it’s a job for anyone willing to put in the effort. You don’t need prior certification; we’re here to give you the necessary training. We’re ready to teach you everything; all you have to do is show up.” When asked what qualifications someone needs to work in an elevator, without hesitation, Yanish says, “Being able to handle grain dust. It seems obvious, but it’s often overlooked. You have to ask about allergies and being able to tolerate dust.”
Another challenge for the grain industry is overcoming the stereotypes associated with this line of work. It is a mostly outdoor job that demands a certain level of physical strength. Yanish and countless elevator managers across United States want to shift this perspective by recognizing that these jobs deserve respect and are excellent opportunities, especially for younger individuals.
When it comes to age, it’s an important factor to consider. “Within our own cooperative in South Dakota, the median age of workers is likely over 50 years old.” One significant misconception revolves around how younger individuals perceive this profession. “Many working in feed mills and at agronomy companies think what we do is an old-man’s game, simply because that’s how it’s been for many years.”
Technology, especially automation, will continue to modernize the industry, but in the meantime, grain handling needs to be rebranded for the younger generation. Yanish happens to excel at captivating and involving this demographic. Through concise social media videos on TikTok*, he is steadily transforming the industry’s image. His videos, which provide glimpses into grain elevator life, have amassed millions of views, generating a vibrant discussion in the comment section from curious viewers.
“I didn’t realize there was that much of an interest in this industry until I posted our first TikTok on a whim. Well, as the night went on, friends started texting me asking if I saw how many views the video had. The next thing you know, the number is in the thousands, and it didn’t stop.” The video reached 2 million views. With that, came the questions. “The biggest ones were ‘Why? Why are you doing this? Why are you putting it in there? Why are you moving there?’ Or, ‘What do you do with these beans?’ These people don’t know where this stuff comes from. That corn goes to an ethanol plant, so you fill up your gas tank.”
Yanish isn’t just a social media ag influencer; he’s an innovator, too. Faced with the perennial issue of grain spillage during unloading, Yanish concocted a clever solution – a bin on wheels made of plywood. “A lot of people on TikTok asked about it: It’s just to try to keep the mess down. They’re made from plywood and bolted together, and they last about five to seven years because they’re out in the elements all year long. Basically, it’s just a little hopper to hold everything.
As Drew continues to share his passion and expertise with the world through TikTok, he’s optimistic that his message will resonate with the next generation. “Look, let’s be honest, this is not a hugely desired job. Everyone wants to be the ‘big guy,’ and you don’t get the limelight like a farmer does.
We are seen as below the farmer, but we go together. Like sunbeam cannot separate itself from the sun, a farmer cannot separate from the grain worker.
It has been 10 years since Yanish started working with his dad, and his passion for presenting a conventional job unconventially through social media has shined a spotlight on the grain elevator profession and the industry for which he was destined. z
*According to a study by Oberlo, 70.2% of TikTok’s adult users fall between the ages of 18-34.